Shoppers ‘shocked and saddened’ at impending closure of Horsham gift shop

Junction 33 has been operating in the Carfax for 14 years and is due to permanently close at the end of the month.

The shop’s owner, Lynne Rickcord, has decided the time to retire has come and after the County Times broke the news of the shop’s closure on Wednesday dozens of readers took to the paper’s Facebook page to react to the news.

Chris Harris said that the closure was “such a shame. I love that shop and the staff are always so lovely and friendly!”

Jo Braid added: “Shocking news! Can always get something a little bit different in there. Very, very sad.”

Although Lynne stressed it was her own decision to close the shop she admitted the business had been affected by rising rates and the internet.

Helen Charlwood said: “What a shame. I always called in the shop – all the decent shops are closing and being ruined by internet shopping!”

Another Facebook user Kelly Bailey added: “These lovely shops sadly suffered during the hardest recession we have had in over 60 years – well done for seeing your business right through these hard times. Please consider online sales!”

The gift shop did not sell its stock online because, according to Lynne, that was not the way she saw the business going.

Lynne said: “I still believe there a people who want to come in, feel it, touch it and have it gift-wrapped.”

The gift shop will be holding a sale from Monday January 13.